Vesper Peak, Headlee Pass and Vesper Lake — Saturday, Jun. 21, 2014

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

Vesper Peak is quite challenging this year with mostly snow above 3500'. Trail #707 is easy to follow into the basin and the only obstacles, before the basin, are the five rushing-stream crossings. Some have small logs and rocks to cross on but the biggest crossing has small logs lashed together. In the morning the logs were wet and hazardous to cross but in the evening they were dry and much less a hazard. For either time trekking poles were extremely helpful. The trail ends where snow starts in the basin, and continues all the way to Headlee Pass (4800'). We put away the poles and used axe's to climb the very steep slope to Headlee, after determining which gulley was the correct one. Beyond Headlee was a brief bare trail on the west side. We traversed on snow and rock below Sperry's steep slope. Watch for post-holing when transitioning from snow to rock. Beyond Sperry and the lake basin there is a long, steep snow-climb directly to the summit. It was a warm, sunny day so the snow was soft and crampons were never needed but gaiters were. Vesper is a peak with spectacular panoramic views from Baker to Rainier and Pilchuck to Stuart. There were three skiers and one other climber that made it to the top while we were there. This is much more than a hike so wear good boots for kicking steps on the steep upward slopes. Total elevation gain is over 4000'. https://www.flickr.com/photos/nabuckley/sets/72157645354130463/